How to Buy a Business Laptop

How to Buy a Business Laptop
Follow our business-laptop buying guide to find a notebook that's perfectly suited for a corporate raider.
Darren Gladstone, PC World
timestamp(1245718800000,'longDateTime')
Jun 23, 2009 6:00 am

You're a very busy professional, so we'll bottom-line this for you. All you care about is a laptop that will get the job done as quickly and efficiently as possible, and you don't want some luxury status symbol. Games and movies--who has the time?

You want a reasonable, portable, general-purpose business laptop that will juggle spreadsheets and look decent while doing it, but you aren't trying to impress clients with the caliber of your computer, or its cost.


CPU
You're mainly concerned about booting Windows in a hurry between meetings and being able to run rings around office suites. You'll probably be fine with an average-priced CPU. An Intel Core 2 Duo T6400 Mobile CPU, for example, easily handles everyday chores in Vista. AMD's 2.3GHz Turion X2 Ultra Dual-Core Mobile ZM-84 may not be as fast, but it works fine, and it'll save you some bucks.

System Memory
You're angling for speed, so your machine needs 4GB of RAM. Having lots of memory is the easiest, most cost-effective way to get a power boost. For smooth performance with that much RAM, buy a 64-bit version of Vista.


Graphics Board (aka GPU)
An integrated GPU should be sufficient. The only reason you'd need discrete graphics firepower would be to help your video presentations run well (or to sneak in a little World of Warcraft in the hotel room after a day of meetings). If you want to output snazzy HD sans stutters, you may be able to get away with integrated graphics, but a laptop with some discrete-graphics oomph would be better.


Screen Size and Native Resolution
You might not need a crazy-high resolution to navigate spreadsheets, but keep all of your activities in mind. Will you have to hook the laptop to projectors? A 1366-by-768-pixel resolution is reasonable. One more thing: Laptops with screens larger than 16 inches may seem brilliant, but few of them fit in a conventional carry-on bag.


Battery Life
If you plan to go a long way between recharges, a good business laptop with a high-capacity battery will offer about 7 hours of life on a single charge--enough for you to make it through even the most drawn-out meetings.

Keyboard and Pointing Device
We're starting to see more laptops of manageable size with a ten-key number pad in addition to the QWERTY layout. The HP ProBook line, for example, crams a good-size ten-key onto a 15.6-inch machine. If you need to crunch tons of figures, that feature will go a long way, though you might lose some room on the QWERTY side.

Dimensions/Weight
Since you need to be nimble during the workday, you'll want something in the 4- or 5-pound range.
Connectivity

If your laptop has VGA-out, you should be covered during presentations. Web connectivity is also essential. You're going to need at least 802.11n Wi-Fi, and you should consider a Wireless WAN option so that you can be constantly connected when you're on the road.

Extra Features
Besides stocking up on hardware to future-proof your laptop (such as HDMI for HD video output and eSATA for fast data transfers), look for USB ports that let you recharge other devices through them when the PC is off. Also consider an accelerometer to protect your hard drive in case you drop your laptop. You'll need a good suite of applications that will prepare you for the workday, too. Fujitsu's apps can help salespeople who have to plug into someone else's display, but Lenovo captures the prize with its ThinkVantage suite--it's like having IT on-call.

Our Business-Laptop Pick




The $1400 Lenovo ThinkPad T400 is speedy and lasts 8 hours on a single charge. We'll be testing its successor, the T400s, in our labs soon.













The Lenovo ThinkPad T400 is our choice for a solid-performing business laptop. It lasted 8 hours in battery tests and earned a respectable mark of 92 in WorldBench 6. That kind of muscle can get you through the workday--and at about $1400, it won't push you into the red.
Illustrations by Joe Ciardielo

Source: pcworld.com

How to Buy an All-Purpose Laptop

How to Buy an All-Purpose Laptop
Looking for good value in a notebook? Here's our all-purpose laptop buying guide for the average Joe.
Darren Gladstone, PC World
timestamp(1245718800000,'longDateTime')
Jun 23, 2009 6:00 am



As an average Joe, you don't demand the fastest machine around, and you certainly don't care about every single bell or whistle that many pricey laptops offer. You need a laptop that offers good value, one that has a couple of key features--and if it can provide a little extra, so much the better.
You require something portable enough to let you take work on the road, and maybe entertain the kids with a movie. Perhaps it can enable you to play a few casual games in your off hours, and, of course, surf the Web, compose e-mail, and juggle Office documents.

CPU
Most all-purpose laptops these days offer decent performance. You won't need to expend much effort to find a notebook that can deliver decent video playback and run your office applications at a reasonable clip. Heck, you might even be able to sneak in a bit of casual gaming on the sly.

As for which CPUs to consider--whether AMD or Intel--you don't have to lay out a fortune. An Intel Core 2 Duo T6400 Mobile CPU, for example, is plenty for handling Windows Vista's everyday chores. AMD's 2.3GHz Turion X2 Ultra Dual-Core Mobile ZM-84 CPU, also available in value-priced all-purpose portables, doesn't run quite as quickly, but it delivers just enough gusto for a slightly lower price than Intel products.

System Memory
The cheapest and best way to get a quick performance boost in any computer is to load up on the RAM. Most machines offer at least 2GB of RAM these days. (One warning: The 32-bit versions of Windows Vista support only about 3GB of RAM; if you plan on ever going higher in your laptop, make sure that you buy a 64-bit version of Vista.) The safe bet is to upgrade memory from the get-go: If you're having your laptop built to order, add RAM then. Upgrading to 3GB or 4GB may seem like overkill initially, but if you want to hang on to the laptop for a while, that extra memory will keep your system motoring longer.

Graphics Board (aka GPU)
The GPU can make or break your experience on a laptop, yet this is the first thing the manufacturer will give short shrift to in order to achieve a lower price. At the very least, go for a notebook that offers a discrete graphics board option, even if you're not completely convinced that you'll need it. A GPU can affect the system's performance in ways you may never have considered, so don't dismiss discrete graphics as being a necessity only for gamers. Maybe you want to watch a movie in glorious 720p on the notebook's expansive screen. Or perhaps you'll find yourself charmed by Vista's Aero environment--all of that eye candy gets a big boost from a graphics processor.

Screen Size and Native Resolution
If you're buying a laptop for general-purpose use, the sweet spot for screen size ranges from 13 to 16 inches, depending on your specific needs. But in considering such sizes, many shoppers fail to take into account the display's native resolution, which is typically too low and can make for some hard-to-read text. It's a personal-preference thing, but I'm partial to laptops with 14-inch screens. That size is just roomy enough to accommodate video well, yet it still makes for a machine that's easy to transport.
If video is your thing, try to steer toward a laptop that offers resolutions capable of widescreen 720p video. (Hint: If the screen has a resolution above 1280 by 720, it could technically give you a 720p picture, so long as the laptop has the horsepower. For example, the Samsung R610, which has a 1366-by-768-pixel resolution, can handle the job.) Most notebook screens should be able to do that now, but you also need to consider whether the laptop's graphics processor is capable of producing the optimum picture (see above).

Battery Life
First, ask yourself how much travel time you'll need with your laptop. On average, an all-purpose notebook will last about 3.5 to 4 hours on a single charge. If you don't expect to go mobile often, don't bother with a big battery. If you'll be bringing your machine on the road regularly, start looking at higher-capacity batteries for the next long haul. And don't trust vendors' battery-life specs--many of them quote times for their laptops configured with higher-capacity batteries and with many of the notebook's features turned off (dimming the screen brightness to nothingness and shutting off Wi-Fi, for instance).
Want the straight scoop? Check out our WorldBench 6 test results for laptops (start at our Top 10 All-Purpose Laptops chart). We use a bunch of real-world programs in real-world situations, and we run the notebooks into the ground.

Optical Drive
These days almost every laptop packs a DVD burner--and many of them offer LightScribe technology for inscribing images or labels on top of specially coated discs. For enjoying high-definition flicks, Blu-ray Disc is the format of choice. Most laptops come standard with a DVD-RW drive, but BD-ROM drives are slowly creeping into all-purpose laptops too. Of course, adding a BD-ROM drive often means tacking a few extra bucks onto the price tag.

Connectivity
Most all-purpose machines offer three or four USB ports, an SD/Memory Stick flash card reader, a Webcam, headphone jacks, VGA ports, and ethernet jacks. And without exception, such notebooks also have at least 802.11g wireless (802.11n should be ubiquitous within the next few months).

Extra Features
For the near future, you'll want to have HDMI-out (for high-definition video) and eSATA (for high-speed data transfers). Another addition that notebook makers are including more often as time goes by is a hybrid USB/eSATA port. We're also seeing some all-purpose models with a pass-through charging port, which allows you to charge a USB-powered device through the laptop--even when it isn't on.

Our All-Purpose Laptop Picks

The Gateway UC7807u sells for less than $800, has lots of features, and performs well.Selecting one laptop that's perfect for everyday use is a bit tricky, but the Gateway UC7807u hits most of the basic needs for under $800. It might not be the fastest thoroughbred in the stable (it earned a mark of only 80 in WorldBench 6 tests), but it is fast enough to finish the race--while carrying a host of features. Gateway manages to cram in both HDMI and VGA video outputs, three USB 2.0 ports, an ExpressCard slot, a flash-card reader, ethernet, Wi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g/n), and Bluetooth. The machine also provides a slot-fed DVD burner and a 5400-rpm, 320GB hard drive. The UC7807u does have several drawbacks: For one thing, it stumbles in the stamina department, lasting only 3.5 hours in our battery-life tests. This Gateway is also fairly heavy (5.3 pounds) for an all-purpose model with a small screen.

Another all-purpose alternative is the $800 HP Pavilion dv3, which lasted about 2 hours longer than the Gateway UC7807u did in our battery tests and offers eSATA ports and other great options in a lightweight frame. Unfortunately, the dv3 scored a measly 64 in WorldBench 6. If you're looking for a bigger screen, consider the Dell Studio XPS 16. Its hardy construction and sweet-looking 16-inch screen will grab your attention. Of course, with that high-end display, it will also grab your wallet--our review unit would set you back about $1800.
Illustrations by Joe Ciardielo.
Source: pcworld.com

Laptop Buying Guide

Laptop Buying Guide
You can find a laptop that’s right for you--whether you're a business traveler, a jet-setter, a student, a gamer on the go, or just an average Joe. Darren Gladstone, PC World timestamp(1245718800000,'longDateTime') Jun 23, 2009 6:00 am

From petite netbooks to massive desktop replacements, laptops are made for different needs. Follow the tips in this buying guide, and you can meet the notebook of your dreams.
Of course, to find your ideal travel companion, you have to be honest about your personality. So here's a little

quiz--what kind of laptop user are you?

Q. Do you want to write a few e-mail messages or surf the Web while listening to some music? Figure out the family budget? Watch a DVD movie or two?

A. You're an average Joe. Read our recommendations for all-purpose laptops.

Q. Are you on the lookout for a no-compromise laptop that will power through the day while staying true to the bottom line?

A. Mr. or Ms. Corporate Raider, your meeting with the perfect business laptop starts now.

Q. Regardless of whether you're on permanent vacation or traveling for work, do you want power and a light load? Above all, must it be stylish?

A. Jet-setter, your ultraportable laptop is ready for takeoff.

Q. Late to class? Again? Are you faced with overstuffed bags and an understuffed wallet?

A. Student, it's time to do your homework and learn about netbooks.

Q. Forum know-it-all? Multimedia junkie? Action addict? Do you want only the best of the best? Is "Nerd" printed on your business card?

A. Gamer, find out more about desktop replacements that are prepared to play.

Q. Do you want a tough portable that can work well outdoors and handle unusual conditions? Are you searching for a convertible PC that can offer a stylus- or touch-based interface for taking notes?

A. You have specialized needs. See our advice about ruggedized laptops and tablet PCs.

Source: pcworld.com

Intel's Chip Renaming Strategy Meets Resistance

Intel's Chip Renaming Strategy Meets Resistance
Agam Shah, IDG News Service
timestamp(1245378012000,'longDateTime')
Jun 19, 2009 7:20 am

pict source: chewontech.com

Intel's strategy to rename its chips and platforms has seen some opposition from chip enthusiasts, who say the new naming conventions are even more confusing.
The chip company on Wednesday said it was making changes to the naming convention of Core processors, switching the derivatives attached to it. Tags like Core 2 Duo and Core 2 Quad will be replaced by names like Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7, depending on the type of PC and configuration.

Chips for entry-level desktops and laptops will carry the Core i3 brand, while chips for mid-level and high-end PCs will have Core i5 and Core i7 tags respectively. The Core i7 tag is already being used on Intel's Nehalem-based chips that go in high-end desktop PCs.
Intel said it will continue to use its Atom brand for low-power processors used in netbooks and smartphones. The company will also retain the Celeron and Pentium entry-level chips for mainstream laptops and desktops. In platforms, the company said it would phase out usage of the popular Centrino brand to describe mobile laptop platforms by early next year.
"For PC purchasing, think in terms of good-better-best with Celeron being good, Pentium better, and the Intel Core family representing the best we have to offer," wrote Bill Calder, an Intel spokesman, in a blog entry on Wednesday. The change will make it easier for customers to differentiate and recognize brands in the future.
"The fact of the matter is, we have a complex structure with too many platform brands, product names, and product brands, and we've made things confusing for consumers and IT buyers in the process," Calder wrote.
But the glut of name changes has confused some users even more, who complained of the new names being incomplete. The changes would not fully reflect how the Core chip would perform, some people wrote in response to the blog entry.
"Too confusing. Make the names longer and more telling," wrote someone identified as Jonah, in a comment on the blog. Dismissing the new naming conventions as meaningless, multiple posters asked Intel to either retain the old names or change chip names to reflect the number of cores, clock speed and cache.
Calling the name changes "nonsense," another poster, John, wrote "I buy a Core 2 Duo, I'm getting a 2 core processor made out of Core 2. Usually the clock speed is advertised as well. I buy a Core i5 who knows what the hell I'm getting except maybe Intel marketing."
In all the opposition, Intel found support from a few posters who said that the name changes could make it easier to distinguish chips.
"I can see how replacing the confusing mess of "Core 2 Duo T6400" with "Core i7" could make things easier for the typical consumer when browsing the laptops at Best Buy," wrote a poster, Colin.
Source: pcworld.com